St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1887-03-17
MOURNING APPAREL.
ConnrennfionnIisf.

CongregatiOnalst.
desire to say few words on a del
icate subject, not often preached, but
one which is worthy of consideration
by Christian women. 1t is the custom
of putting on mourning in time of be-
reavement. | would make no unkind
criticism, nor say word that should
seem harsh or devoid of sympathy to-
ward sOrrOwing friends whose eyes
may meet these lines. And yet, | feel
that as Christians, even in the hour of
our deepest sorrow, we should choose
to do what is right and truly apprO
priate-nOt accepting as must-be a
mere custom, be it ever so long estab
lished. Death in the home impresses
every inmate of the household with a
solemn awe. All voices are hushed.
The ordinary routine Of domestic work
is conducted with unusual quietness
and simplicity. How very painful
amid the serious thoughts that natar-
ally arise in this silent hour, when God
would have His still small voice heard,
seems the interruption of the dress
maker and her train, bringing grapes
and wells and gloves, talking of styles
and cost and measurements, making
choice of fabrics, and often coming
themselves into the stricken family in
order to cut aud make these habili
ments of grief. Too often, also, is this
aggravated by an uncomfortable con-
seriousness of expense which can lily
be afforded.
How such worldly considerations
tend to divert the mind from the les
son which the Divine Teacher is Civ
ing on the instability of life, and its
grave, immortal issues! Is this right
L. ~ in l,s. Iinh |
of our human affection, of our attitude
towards God, who ut such seasons
draws especially near, or of our faith
in the cOnsummated blessedness of
those whose absence we deplOre, and
for whom we are enjoined not to sOr-
row Gas others which have no hope"
the interjectiOn of this worldly bust
ness seems homogeneous.
There is much discomfort, also, in
wearing Grape. A widowed friend,
wrapped in long, heavy Grape veil,
sat beside me one oppressive day in
summer.
"Oh, dear!" she exclaimed, "my
dress is so uncomfortable what shall
| do ?"
"Why wear what is SO burdensOmeY"
| asked as tenderly as possible.
81 must" she replied. "SOciety re-
quires it as a badge of grief"
"Was not your husband Chris
tian ?"
"Undoubtedly."
"And YOU believe he is now in the
presence of his Saviour, and drinking
in immortal JOY 2"
eyes, indeed"
"Do you not rejoice with him and
for him 2"
81 do, most truly In fact, forget
my grief in thinking of his deliverance
from the tolls and trials of earth, and
of his present perfect happiness. Some
times, to tell the truth, | wonder if |
am not more happy than sOrrOwful,
enter so heartily into his joy"
''Then why do you wear this dress,
which is not only uncomfortable, but
does not truly represent your affection
towards Your dear absent husband 7"
81 believe you are right" she said.
al have never thought of it so before.
III lay aside this veil to-day. My
black dress is we'll enough; | should
probably dress in black from prefer
ence, if my husband we're living"
Is not this sable apparel the badge
of fashion rather than griefP And is
it not pity that fashion should have
control in the hours of our deepest
sorrOwP How much better to say
with one who had courage to throw off
the letters of the tyrant i'll the hour of
her bereavement 81 make no change
of my dress, which is always simple. l
am glad to have these hours for medi
tation and communion with God"
If II change of apparel had tenden-
cy to assuagc grief, to bring comfort,
to intensity faith, nothing could be
said in objection. But we must allow
that it adds To the burden of the be-
reaved heart. We know it is not easy |
to overturn long established usage;
but careful thought, with good sense
and cOnscientiOusness, will enable
Christian women, Individually, TO
abolish it, and thus advance society in /
the right direction.